With the countdown well underway, Governor Dapo Abiodun has declared Ogun State “game-ready” for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, as the historic city of Abeokuta braces to welcome 15,000 athletes, officials, and spectators from across Nigeria.
In a spirited inspection tour of the facilities on Thursday, Abiodun reaffirmed the state’s readiness, spotlighting completed renovations at key venues, including the MKO Abiola International Stadium, the Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis and handball courts, and the Alake Sports Centre.
“The track that we installed here has already begun to reap benefits. The African Athletics Federation, because of the quality of our tracks, has chosen Ogun State to host the athletics competition in 2026 for the Under-20,” the governor stated.
Stadium to Sporting Complex: A New Era for Ogun
As part of a broader sports infrastructure overhaul, the MKO Abiola International Stadium is getting a name upgrade to MKO Abiola Sporting Complex, a move the governor says reflects its evolution into a world-class multi-sport hub. He made it clear: the stadium will be exclusively reserved for sporting events moving forward.
“Let me assure you that the stadium will only be used for sporting activities. To that extent, we’ve chosen to construct a pavilion somewhere behind the stadium, and that pavilion will now be used for rallies, parties, march pasts, October 1 celebrations, Labour Day celebrations, community days, and Democracy Day.”
“All those events will cease to happen in the stadium; the stadium will be made available only for sporting activities.”
Ogun State is fully prepared to host the best National Sports Festival, with major facilities at the M.K.O Abiola Stadium and Alake Sports Centre nearing completion. Our investment in sports is already paying off, as we have been selected to host the 2026 Africa Under-20… pic.twitter.com/G2PcEn5itu
— Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, CON (@DapoAbiodunCON) April 3, 2025
Festival to Fuel Talent and Tourism Boom
Beyond competition, the 2024 National Sports Festival is poised to deliver a huge economic and cultural boost to the host city. With thousands set to flood Abeokuta’s streets, hotels, and markets, local businesses are preparing for a windfall.
Tourism is also in focus. Abiodun revealed plans to upgrade Olumo Rock and nearby attractions, banking on the festival to ignite interest in Ogun’s rich cultural heritage.
“The festival itself will allow us to host maybe 15,000 people in the city of Abeokuta. You can imagine that those people will be eating and drinking; they will be transported back and forth. They will be buying recharge cards and water.
Where am I going? They will be visiting our tourist sites. We are getting Olumo Rock and other adjoining tourist centres ready for the games. There will be a lot of visitors sleeping in hotels.
The economic impact of this festival on the economy of this state can best be imagined; the multiplier effect will be felt more after the games.”
Talent Discovery and Lasting Legacy
Governor Abiodun further highlighted the strategic importance of the games as a platform for talent discovery and the future of Nigerian sports.
“The National Sports Festival creates an opportunity for new talents to be discovered for both national and international sporting meets, noting that what his administration has done with the investment in sporting facilities in the state is the best across the country.”
As Abeokuta enters the final stretch in its preparations, all eyes turn to the Gateway State — ready to host, inspire, and shine on a national scale.
